Belén Cuesta

Belén Cuesta Llamas is a celebrated Spanish actress whose career has spanned stage, television, and film, earning her a reputation for versatility and magnetic screen presence. Born on 24 January 1984 in Seville, Andalusia, she spent her formative years in Fuengirola, Málaga, where she trained at the Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático, laying the foundation for a robust theatrical background. After graduating, Cuesta made her television debut in the series Cazadores de hombres and accumulated a series of supporting roles in productions such as ¿Qué fue de Jorge Sanz?, Ángel o demonio, and Palomitas, as well as early film appearances in Hierro, Operación Malaya and Perro flaco. Her breakthrough arrived in 2012 when she secured a regular part in the daily period drama Bandolera, portraying the aristocratic Elisa de Vega, a role that showcased her dramatic range. The subsequent starring role as Magüi Moreno in the comedy series Paquita Salas catapulted her to popular acclaim; the character’s witty lines quickly went viral, cementing Cuesta as a cultural touchstone in contemporary Spanish media. In the internationally acclaimed series Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), she delivered a nuanced performance as Manila, a transgender woman who initially appears as a hostage before revealing her allegiance to the heist crew, adding depth to the ensemble cast. Cuesta’s film career reached a pinnacle with her leading performance in The Endless Trench (La trinchera infinita, 2019), for which she received the Goya Award for Best Actress, the most prestigious honor in Spanish cinema. Beyond her professional achievements, she maintains a strong connection to her roots, residing in Madrid while continuing to work in both theatrical productions and screen projects. In her personal life, she welcomed her first child, a daughter, in December 2023, marking a new chapter alongside her flourishing artistic journey.